President's pen Before introducing myself, My roles as a mother of a I would like to thank and child with DS and a midwife acknowledge Shelley Waters have collided together to the outgoing President for create a particular interest her endless commitment to in Pre-natal screening for and positive representation Down syndrome and I am of the NZDSA. passionate around the ethics Not only has Shelley held of screening. the NZDSA President role I wa n t to s e e t h a t t h e for the past six years, she rights of women to be fully has also been involved with informed are being upheld her regional committees so that they are able to make for most of her daughter decisions around screening Rochelle’s life, both in the Kim Porthouse with her sons Brendon (middle) and Chris. that are based on wellWaikato and in Canterbury. rounded information that In her role of President of the NZDSA Shelley provided respects their values and not only on information much behind-the-scenes support to the staff of our that is too often a one-sided, heavily medicalised organisation, which was truly appreciated, and her view. I advocate for improved training of the medical leadership nurtured a committee that was able to profession so their knowledge is also well rounded work harmoniously together, which is an attribute and considerate of the impact they have on expectant that I will strive to continue. I am pleased to have parents. the support of Shelley on the committee for the next I contributed to the article in the last issue of CHAT year as she continues her Zone 5 representative role 21 and as mentioned at the end of that article we for one final year. are keen to hear your stories, experiences and views Kim Porthouse, NZDSA President around screening. You can email us at editor@nzdsa. I am Kim Porthouse, your newly elected President of org.nz the NZDSA. I have been on the NZDSA committee Recently Brendon was nominated by the Wellington for the past six years as the Zone 4 representative, DSA to attend a Youth Development Camp hosted holding the role of Treasurer and have been involved by the NZDSA. This camp was for individuals with with my local DSA for most of the past 18-19 years, higher needs and we were privileged to be offered and also involved with the NZDSA for projects on a placement. and off during that time. The event was sponsored by funds raised by Southern I have two sons, my oldest son Chris (23) has left Stars for this purpose and I thank them deeply for home but he and his fiancé live just a 10-minute walk enabling such an event. I am also so grateful to the away. My younger son Brendon is 20, he has Down NZDSA staff and youth support workers who gave syndrome. He lives at home with me and attends so freely of their time and support, it was a truly the Learning support centre at Waiopehu College in enriching experience for both Brendon and I. Levin. We live in Ōtaki, on the Kāpiti Coast and have Although there were a few wobbly and challenging lived in this region for 28 years. I am a midwife and I moments, I was generally pretty proud of the way work at the Primary Maternity unit in Levin. Brendon coped with being out of his comfort zone It is my philosophy that diversity in our society is and his normal daily routines. I’m sure this was helped important and that all individuals with a disability a lot by being amongst peers in the very supportive should be respected and viewed as valuable and environment that was created by everyone involved. contributing members of their community. He got to participate in activities that would I view being involved with both my local DSA and normally be out of his reach such as rock climbing the National DSA as a way I can foster the support and abseiling, so he was very proud of himself and of other parents of children with Down syndrome he keeps going back with smiles on his face to as well as contribute to the advocacy of individuals watch over the videos on his iPad that captured his with Down syndrome to be valued and participating achievements. members of their community. I gained so much knowledge and support from being able I want to see every person with Down syndrome to network with the other parents that attended, given opportunities that will enrich their lives and I feel truly motivated and inspired – just what I need as I help them to reach their potential. I want to see every look ahead to next year and face Brendon’s last year at parent feel connected and strengthened. school and a year of transition into the post-school world!
President's pen
21